Tag: wellbeing

Stewardship: The First Step Toward the Change We Seek

We talk often about change—changing our politics, our economy, our institutions, even the world itself. Yet lasting change almost always begins closer to home. It begins with stewardship—putting the resources we already have to their highest uses.

Stewardship is an old word, one we tend to associate with church giving or financial responsibility. But it’s far deeper and broader than that. Stewardship means caring well for what has been entrusted to us—our bodies, our families, our communities, and yes, our finances. It’s the practice of aligning our daily choices with our highest values.

My personal struggle with stewardship has been longstanding. My oldest son was born when I was twenty one. I spent way too much time at the bar and not nearly enough time in the library. For years, my wife and I struggled with finances. There just never seemed to be enough money, even though we were on an upward trend. The economy was in the midst of the Great Recession. Every job I took seemed to ask everyone to “do more with less”. I was frustrated beyond measure.

And yet, the prevenient grace of the universe led me forward. I started reading more and implemented small changes. I took control of what I could. I started exercising. I opened a college savings account and put in $20 a month. I went back to church.

Little by little, those changes added up. A couch-to-5k plan led to a marathon. That small initial investment led to the development of a plan to fully fund my son’s college before he graduates. Going to that worship service led to a new career path.

At the start of a journey, we do not know all the turns we will take. But taking those first steps toward a disciplined and accountable life lead to the path your heart desires. Stewardship exists in numerous areas that create virtuous cycles if exercised over the long term.

Taking Care of Your Body

We cannot serve others or ourselves well if we neglect the vessel through which we serve. Our bodies are sacred trusts— instruments of creativity, compassion, and connection. Before our finances matter, our bodies need to be in good working order.

There is an affordability crisis in American healthcare. We are all looking for a solution. The reality is this: the only path to sustainable and affordable healthcare is for us as individuals to take ownership of our own health. No amount of corporate entrepreneurship, pharmacology, university research or governmental intervention can save us if we choose to eat junk food, spend unlimited hours on screen time, fail to move our bodies and mentally stress ourselves with our employment.

When we choose rest over relentless work, nourishment over convenience, movement over stagnation, we’re not just improving our health; we’re practicing gratitude for the gift of being alive. Physical stewardship grounds us in reality and gives us the energy to show up as the best version of ourselves.

Showing Up for Your Family

Our families—biological or chosen—are the first communities we are called to nurture. Stewardship here means being present, forgiving, and generous with both time and attention. Too many of us, myself included, devote the best of our mental and emotional resources to our work and do not leave enough in the tank for our household.

It’s easy to advocate for justice in the abstract while neglecting the small injustices we perpetuate in our homes: impatience, neglect, criticism, or unspoken resentment. How often have you spoken to your spouse, parents or children in a way you would never dream of speaking professionally? What would your life look like if you breathed grace into your household with every conversation? How would your relationships grow if you replaced complaints about small matters with gratitude for the people in your life?

Healthy societies are built on healthy families. The way we love and lead within our own circles becomes the template for how we engage the world.

The Beloved Community

Beyond our families lies the broader community—our neighborhoods, congregations, schools, and workplaces. It also means the digital communities we engage in.

Stewardship here calls us to ask: What am I doing to strengthen the fabric of belonging where I live? Do I support local businesses? Volunteer my skills? Listen before judging? Share positive online content?

Studies for years have been showing a decline in community membership. From the local church, to the Elks and American Legion, to your neighborhood bowling alley, we are spending more and more time alone and engaging far less with the people in our surrounding area. We have replaced this with impersonal digital interactions that seem to drive us further and further apart.

Last year, the Surgeon General issued a warning on the epidemic of loneliness in America. Ironically and unfortunately, if you feel alone, please know that you are not the only one who feels this way. I have also struggled with this as digital interactions seem to push us into silos where we feel unheard and misunderstood. You are not alone. People in your community are willing to respond when you engage with them in person.

Communities thrive not because a few people do big things, but because many people do small things faithfully. The simple act of shutting off the screen and joining a local group makes a major impact, not only for yourself, but for those around you. The small acts each of us make compound to create the communities we want to live in.

Stewardship of Finances

Money is not the goal of life, but it is a tool to pursue those goals—a reflection of our priorities and our trust. When we budget, save, give, and invest with purpose, we align our resources with our values.

Financial stewardship isn’t about scarcity; it’s about responsibility. It’s recognizing that money can serve as a multiplier of love, justice, and opportunity when used wisely.

The last forty years have seen ever declining real wages for the average American worker. And yet, our houses are 1,000 square feet larger than our grandparents. We have access to information and networks that were unimaginable a few decades ago. Although inflation and automation put pressure on us financially, we still have the ability to carve out a sustainable financial strategy.

Simple steps like creating and following a budget, saving and investing small amounts, and continuously pursuing higher incomes lead to financial stability, and better yet, flourishment.

In my network, many of us are beyond the realm of getting by. We are at the point where we need to declare we have enough. The perpetual pursuit of more has become a disease among the successful professional class. Once you have financial security, it’s time to think hard about how much you are giving back compared to an endless pursuit of financial growth.

The Gap Between Desire and Discipline

We live in an age of activism and awareness. Many people deeply desire systemic change—they want fairer economies, cleaner environments, healthier communities. Yet many of us are unwilling to make the personal changes that would make those systems possible.

We demand integrity from institutions while living distracted, overextended, and disconnected lives. We protest greed in corporations but rarely examine our own consumer habits. We lament polarization while refusing to have patient, humble conversations with our neighbors.

This gap between desire and discipline—between vision and stewardship—is where our collective potential stalls.

Stewardship as the Seed of Systemic Change

Every great movement for renewal begins with individuals who first transformed themselves. Before the world changes, people change—their hearts, habits, and priorities.

Imagine what might happen if more of us practiced stewardship in the full sense of the word:

  • Caring for our health so we have strength to serve.
  • Leading our families with compassion and example.
  • Investing our time and money in ways that reflect justice and generosity.
  • Engaging our communities with empathy instead of apathy.

That is how systems shift—from the inside out. Stewardship is not small work; it is foundational and life changing work.

A Well-Lived Life

The goal of stewardship isn’t perfection or control; it’s faithfulness. It’s showing up, again and again, with gratitude and intentionality.

When we tend to what has been entrusted to us—body, family, community, and resources—we live a life that ripples outward. We become, in our own quiet way, the very change we’ve been asking for.

“To whom much is given, much will be required.” – Luke 12:48
Stewardship reminds us that we’ve all been given something.
And the world is waiting to see what we’ll do with it.

Related Reading:

0

Nostalgia vs. Reality: What progress have we made in the new millennia?

Think back to the year 1999. Do you recall how well we were doing? The internet was booming. Google and Amazon were taking off. Unemployment was at a thirty year low. America was at the peak of its power and the world was at peace.

Is this the world you remember?

Let me tell you a different, yet equally true, story.

In 1999, we faced a false technological panic in the “Y2K” computer glitch. The sitting President was impeached for improper sexual conduct with an intern. He seemed to serially harass women throughout his career. NATO attacked Serbia due to an ongoing authoritarian genocide. A little known group called Al Qaeda bombed US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania a year prior and were plotting the 9/11 attacks. Half of Africa’s population lived in abject poverty. The US stock market was in a bubble that it would not fully recover from for another twelve years.

Do you remember this as well?

If you are like most people, you likely think of the first description when you recall the 1990’s, but you also remember the events from the second description when they are pointed out. We have a pervasive nostalgia bias that puts rose colored glasses on the past, and paints our current situation worse than it truly is.

As the quarter-century mark draws near, I find it necessary pause and reflect on the progress we’ve made over the last twenty five years. Global discourse skews toward negativity for the purpose of grabbing your attention, with narratives of decline dominating headlines and social media.

Yet, when we look beyond the noise, the data and lived experiences tell a different story: one of remarkable advancements in healthcare, technology, economics, and equality. These achievements paint a hopeful picture of a world that, despite its challenges, continues to move forward.

Let’s take a look at where we have made significant advancement.

Healthcare: Saving Lives at Unprecedented Rates

Since the year 2000, healthcare has witnessed extraordinary breakthroughs. Global life expectancy has risen by over six years, thanks in large part to innovations in medicine, expanded access to care, and public health initiatives. Diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, once major killers, are increasingly under control due to effective treatments and global cooperation.

For instance, the global death rate from malaria has been cut nearly in half since 2000, while mother and child mortality rates have plummeted due to improved healthcare access in developing nations. The rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines exemplify how far we’ve come in leveraging science and technology to address health crises at scale.

Yet, many lament that healthcare systems are overwhelmed or unequal. While these concerns are valid, they should not overshadow the undeniable progress we’ve made in saving lives and improving quality of life.

Technology: Empowering Billions

In the year 2000, the internet was a luxury for the few, and smartphones were yet to revolutionize our lives. Fast forward to today: over 5 billion people are connected online, with access to information, education, and opportunities that were once unimaginable. Artificial intelligence, renewable energy technologies, and advancements in space exploration are not just buzzwords—they’re shaping a better future for humanity.

Technology has democratized access to tools that once belonged to the elite. From farmers using AI-driven apps to predict crop yields to students in remote areas attending virtual classes, the reach of innovation is profound. Critics often point to the downsides of technology—addiction, misinformation, privacy concerns and the looming uncertainties of AI. While these are challenges that need addressed, they should not obscure the transformative potential and positive impact technology has had on billions of people across the globe.

Standard of Living: A Quiet Revolution

The world has made significant strides in reducing extreme poverty. According to the World Bank, the global extreme poverty rate fell from 36% in 1990 to about 9% in 2021—a staggering achievement. Electricity, clean water, and sanitation are now accessible to millions more people, significantly improving their quality of life.

While the gap between rich and poor remains a pressing issue, the overall trend is one of continuous upward progress. Even in developing nations, more people have access to better housing, education, and health services than ever before. This quiet revolution in standard of living often goes unnoticed amidst the noise of pessimism.

Economics: Resilience and Growth

Global economic growth has lifted billions out of poverty and into the middle class. Emerging markets like China, India, and parts of Africa have transformed the global economic landscape. Trade, innovation, and technology have fueled productivity, creating wealth on an unprecedented scale.

Critics may point to economic crises, inequality, or inflation as signs of a failing system. However, these are not new phenomena—they are challenges that have been managed repeatedly throughout history. The resilience of economies in rebounding from global shocks, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, showcases humanity’s ability to adapt and thrive. While changes are needed to address inequalities, we do not need to throw out the entire system to accomplish the progress we seek.

Equality: The Long Journey Forward

While slower and more uneven than we would like, progress in equality is undeniable. Since 2000, gender parity in education has improved, with more girls attending school globally than ever before. Legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals have expanded, and movements advocating for racial and social justice have gained momentum.

Of course, much work remains. Systemic inequalities still exist, and cultural resistance can slow change. But progress is not linear—it’s a gradual, often contested journey. The growing global awareness and activism around equality signal that the arc of history continues to bend toward justice.

Dispelling the Perception of Decline

Why, then, do so many feel as though the world is getting worse? The answer lies in human psychology and the nature of information consumption. Negative news captures our attention more than positive stories—a phenomenon known as “negativity bias.” Social media amplifies this effect, creating echo chambers that distort reality.

When viewed through the lens of data and historical context, the evidence is clear: we are healthier, wealthier, and more connected than at any other time in human history. While it’s essential to acknowledge and address the challenges we face, focusing solely on them risks overlooking the immense progress humanity has made.

A Call to Optimism

The world has come a long way since 2000. Despite what you hear on the news, from our politicians, or your favorite influencer, we are better off today than we were twenty-five years ago. Recognizing this progress doesn’t mean ignoring the problems that remain—it means drawing hope and inspiration from our achievements as we tackle future challenges.

Progress is not inevitable. The developments that have been made are due to the hard work and determination of people who worked together to create a better life for themselves, their communities, their countries and the world as a whole. We are ultimately a social species. Our prosperity is created through communication, collaboration, listening and understanding.

Our perception today creates the reality of tomorrow. If we believe in a world that continues to make progress, that is the world we will create. We must seek out ways we have overcome obstacles in the past and build upon those methods to create a brighter tomorrow. The progress we have made was not mandated from political leaders. It was the collective result of billions of people doing the right thing on a daily basis.

My challenge to you is to actively foster a mindset of informed optimism that cultivates your actions into the life you want to lead. That is what will make 2050 an even better year than 2025.

I look forward to our continued collective progress.

0

The #1 New Year’s Resolution that No One is Making

It’s the time of year that many of us lay out our goals and plans for the coming year. Half of these resolutions will focus on fitness, particularly weight loss. Over a third will focus on finances. The remainder is scattered about several other factors, including mental health. Achieving lasting change in your life starts from the inside, so attacking fitness and finances before acknowledging what’s going on in your head is backwards.

Of all mental health actions, cultivating gratitude has been shown the most effective way to broaden and build your perspective and move toward a fulfilled life.

The modern world was not designed with your wellbeing in mind. The never ending notifications, emails, instant messages, 24 hour news cycle and “continuing watching in 3, 2, 1…” has left us in a more distracted, more stressed and less stable mental state than at any point in modern history. Our religious, political and social institutions are falling apart. Families and friends are held physically at a distance and thriving communities with deep relationships seem absent from the lives of many Americans. The state of affairs have cause the Surgeon General to issue a mental health advisory earlier this year.

At the same time, the emerging field of positive psychology is beginning to unlock the lifestyles and habits that lead to a fulfilled and well lived life. Of these, researchers are finding that gratitude is one of the most impactful ways to manage the difficult situations and times of trouble. Barbara Frederickson introduced the “Broaden and Build” theory, which has implications both for personal and professional use. In her theory, she outlines how positive emotion is the predecessor of creativity and collaboration. Her work lists love, joy, serenity, gratitude, interest, hope, pride, amusement, inspiration and awe as the ten major positive emotions.

While we all want to experience positive emotions, we cannot simply turn on a switch to alter our feelings. Most of these ten emotions come on their own as unpredictable responses to situations and relationships. We have all felt joy at some point, but I cannot tell myself to feel joy right now in this moment. Gratitude is an outlier in these emotions, because we can consciously think about what we are grateful for, and the feeling of gratitude often follows the thought.

Gratitude, described as the heartfelt appreciation for what you have received, is a powerful emotion that can significantly enhance our overall wellbeing. When we consciously cultivate gratitude in our lives, it not only transforms our perspective but also positively impacts our mental, emotional, and even physical health. It also increases our ability to perform professionally.

Here are five effective ways to cultivate gratitude and why it benefits your life:

1. Gratitude Journaling

It may seem too simple, but the most effective psychological intervention happened when people were asked to write down three things they were thankful for at the end of each day along with a brief description of why they were thankful. Taking a few moments each day to write down things we are grateful for will create a profound shift in your mindset if you practice it consistently. By acknowledging and recording even the simplest blessings, we train our minds to focus on the positives in life. This practice helps us navigate challenges with a more optimistic outlook, reducing stress and fostering resilience.

2. Reflecting on Challenges

Gratitude doesn’t ignore difficulties but reframes them. Reflecting on past challenges and acknowledging the lessons learned or the personal growth attained from adversity can foster a sense of gratitude for the strength gained and the opportunity for resilience. It also gives us the ability to look ahead at difficult situations on the horizon, acknowledge the difficulty, and yet, be thankful for the people who will help us through the experience.

3. Tell Others You Appreciate Them

Actively expressing gratitude to others strengthens relationships and deepens connections. Simple gestures like saying “thank you,” writing notes of appreciation, or verbalizing gratitude can create a ripple effect of positivity, fostering a sense of belonging and reinforcing social bonds.

4. Seek Out Novelty

New experiences can elicit a host of emotions, helps us break the monotony and moves our attention toward openness and acceptance. Being in a different situation helps you notice and appreciate things you may have otherwise overlooked, thereby enhancing your capacity to be aware of what you are grateful for.

5. Volunteer and Perform Acts of Kindness

Contributing to others’ wellbeing through acts of kindness or volunteering can instill a deep sense of gratitude. By witnessing the impact of our actions on others’ lives, we gain a heightened appreciation for our own blessings and become more empathetic towards others’ struggles.

Why Gratitude Benefits Your Wellbeing:

Cultivating gratitude isn’t just a nice sentiment; it has scientifically proven benefits for our overall wellbeing:

  • Improved Mental Health: Grateful individuals tend to experience reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. The act of appreciating what one has mitigates negative emotions and enhances emotional resilience.
  • Physical Health: Gratitude practices have been linked to improved sleep, lower blood pressure, and a strengthened immune system. The positive emotions associated with gratitude contribute to better physical health.
  • Enhanced Relationships: Expressing gratitude fosters stronger interpersonal relationships, creating a positive environment for both parties involved. This can lead to increased happiness and a greater sense of fulfillment.
  • Resilience and Coping Mechanisms: Grateful individuals are better equipped to cope with life’s challenges. They tend to have a more adaptive mindset, finding solutions and opportunities even in difficult situations.

Cultivating gratitude isn’t about ignoring life’s complexities but rather embracing them with a perspective that acknowledges the positives amidst the chaos. By integrating gratitude into our daily lives, we can experience profound shifts in our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, leading to a more fulfilling and happier existence.

Gratitude is not a silver bullet to all of our problems, but it is a powerful step within our control to shine a light onto the good things in our lives, and to shine that light onto the people around us.

If you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution and do not already have an intentional gratitude practice, you may find this is the missing key that unlocks a host of hidden potential.

0

Mindset Matters

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut? Like no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to get ahead? If so, then you may want to take a closer look at your mindset. According to psychologist Carol Dweck, your mindset plays a crucial role in determining your success in life.

In her book, “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success“, Dweck outlines two different mindsets that people tend to have: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. Let’s take a closer look at what these mindsets are and what they mean for your success.

The fixed mindset is the belief that your abilities and intelligence are set in stone. People with a fixed mindset tend to think that they are either good at something or they aren’t, and that there’s not much they can do to change that. They see failure as a reflection of their inherent limitations, rather than as an opportunity for growth.

On the other hand, the growth mindset is the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work and perseverance. People with a growth mindset see failure as a chance to learn and improve, rather than as a reflection of their limitations. They embrace challenges and see them as opportunities to stretch themselves and grow.

So why does your mindset matter so much? According to Dweck, your mindset shapes your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which in turn shape your success in life. If you have a fixed mindset, you’re more likely to shy away from challenges and give up easily when you encounter obstacles. You may also be more likely to play it safe and stick to what you already know, rather than taking risks and trying new things.

On the other hand, if you have a growth mindset, you’re more likely to embrace challenges and persist in the face of obstacles. You’re also more likely to seek out new opportunities for growth and take risks in pursuit of your goals. As a result, you’re more likely to achieve success and reach your full potential.

So how can you cultivate a growth mindset? Dweck suggests a few key strategies:

  1. Embrace challenges: Rather than avoiding challenges, seek them out and view them as opportunities to learn and grow.
  2. Persist in the face of obstacles: Don’t give up easily when you encounter obstacles or setbacks. Instead, keep pushing forward and stay committed to your goals.
  3. Learn from criticism: Rather than getting defensive or discouraged when you receive criticism, use it as a chance to learn and improve.
  4. Cultivate a love of learning: Focus on the process of learning and growing, rather than just on the end result.
  5. Surround yourself with growth-minded people: Seek out friends and colleagues who share your growth mindset and can support and encourage you in your journey.

By embracing these strategies, you can begin to shift your mindset from fixed to growth, and start achieving greater success in your life. Whether you’re trying to improve your career, your relationships, or your personal growth, a growth mindset can help you overcome obstacles and reach your full potential.

Your mindset is the driving force behind your well-being, because it changes the lens through which you view any event that occurs. By cultivating a growth mindset, you can embrace challenges, persist in the face of obstacles, learn from criticism, and surround yourself with growth-minded people. So if you want to achieve greater success and reach your full potential, start by examining what goes on in the six inches between your ears. Make the decision to view yourself and the world in the context of a growth mindset.

1

The Top Ten Ways to Improve Wellbeing in Modern Life

In the fast-paced world of modern society, it can be difficult to maintain a sense of wellbeing. We strive for success in our careers and personal lives while managing our time between social engagements, family commitments, and personal hobbies. It is important to prioritize our mental, emotional, and physical health to live a balanced and fulfilling life. Here are some best practices for wellbeing in modern society:

1. Prioritize self-care

Self-care refers to the actions individuals take to care for their physical, mental, and emotional needs. This includes activities such as getting enough sleep, eating nourishing meals, practicing relaxation techniques, and engaging in exercise. By prioritizing self-care, individuals can better manage stress, reduce anxiety, and improve overall health.

2. Connect with others

Human connection is an essential aspect of wellbeing. In today’s world, technology has made it easy to stay connected with friends and family through social media, texts, and video calls. However, it is important to prioritize face-to-face interactions as well. Spending time with loved ones in-person can improve mood, reduce stress, and foster a sense of belonging.

3. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment. It involves paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help with stress management, emotional regulation, and cultivating a sense of inner peace.

4. Limit screen time

Technology has revolutionized the way we live but it is important to recognize the impact it can have on wellbeing. The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep patterns and excessive use can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection. Setting boundaries and limiting screen time can help individuals prioritize other aspects of their lives such as socializing, exercise, and self-care.

5. Engage in physical activity

Exercise not only improves physical health but also has numerous benefits for mental health. Regular physical activity has been found to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve cognitive function, and boost self-esteem. Incorporating physical activity into daily routines can promote overall health and wellbeing.

6. Practice gratitude

Gratitude is the practice of recognizing and appreciating the good in one’s life. Practicing gratitude can help individuals focus on positive experiences, reduce feelings of negativity, and cultivate a sense of contentment. Daily practices such as journaling or reflecting on what one is grateful for can promote a positive mindset.

7. Set boundaries

Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining wellbeing. Boundaries refer to the guidelines an individual sets for themselves in order to protect their mental, emotional, and physical health. This can include saying no to excessive commitments, limiting exposure to toxic relationships, and prioritizing self-care.

8. Seek professional help

Sometimes, despite one’s best efforts to prioritize wellbeing, individuals may struggle with mental health concerns. Seeking professional help can provide additional support and resources. Therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals can offer guidance, coping strategies, and treatment options as needed.

9. Cultivate a sense of purpose

Having a sense of purpose can promote overall wellbeing. This involves identifying one’s values and goals and working towards fulfilling them. Individuals who have a strong sense of purpose may experience increased motivation, goal attainment, and a sense of fulfillment.

10. Be kind to oneself

Finally, it is important to be kind to oneself when pursuing wellbeing. Adopting a mindset of self-compassion can reduce self-criticism, increase resilience, and promote a sense of self-worth. Practicing self-compassion involves treating oneself with kindness, recognizing one’s humanity, and acknowledging that setbacks and struggles are a normal part of the human experience.

Prioritizing wellbeing in modern society involves a multifaceted approach. By incorporating these best practices into daily routines, individuals can promote physical, mental, and emotional health, and live more fulfilling lives.

0

The End of Productivity

What happens when producing more yields less satisfaction? The rules we have been operating under may no longer apply. Business schools teach maximization, efficiency and optimality, but productivity increases have yielded a negative happiness curve.

Economically, we are not prepared to deal with this. Our system is predicated on endless growth. Our leaders preach it and we are trained to believe it. Produce more and we will be better off. It is quickly becoming a myth in the modern world.

For the first time in history, we have more than enough, everything we need and most things we want. Having more will not help us. Bigger waistlines, bigger debts and bigger commutes show that more is not better. Psychologically, we acknowledging we have enough is critical to our wellbeing.

At the same time, we will need a new economic system to support the new reality of enough. Our economy will not continue to grow forever. It will flatline. And when it does, we should not panic.

We should realize it is the natural result of having enough, and that shared prosperity is the path to a healthy community. We should embrace a future where the growth we seek lies in the growth of communal wellbeing, rather than the growth of an economic bottom line.

The age of productivity is over. We are now in the era of wellbeing.When you realize you have enough, you are free to live and to be. I am thankful to live in these times, to be awake to realize I have enough to live, and enough to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑